Scribing Isolation: Panel Design for Thin Film Photovoltaics

Background: Thin film photovoltaic panels generate electric current when exposed to light. The photovoltaic cells in thin film panels are separated from each other and connected in series by conductive layers in order to increase the energy output of the panel. However this type of panel allows for many defects during the manufacturing process. The small defects can cause electrical shorts between the cells which would significantly decrease the power output and overall module efficiency. Although current methods exist to reduce or repair these defects either they consume a great deal of manufacturing time or they require mechanically altering the panel which reduces the area available to generate current. Technology Description: Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel method of producing thin film photovoltaic panels that allows for easy detection and repair of shorts. This method involves altering the layer formation dividing existing cells into subcells and scribing a plurality of curves onto the layer. When a short is detected another curve can be easily scribed onto the layer in order to separate the shorted cell from the adjacent cells and therefore confining the short to that one cell. This method limits the area over which power loss and localized heating occur without significantly reducing the area available to generate power. Furthermore this method provides such features with a small fixed additional time at manufacturing or on site and utilizes readily available equipment. Applications PV cells